HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE PROPHECIES?
Until the prophecies are unsealed, we cannot know for certain which prophecies have symbolic significance and which have more literal explanations.
1. With the imminent advent of the Promised One, prophecies begin to gradually unfold, until they are completely "unsealed" ONLY by Him. Christ said the sheep would know their shepherd by his voice. After we are attracted to his voice, we may test him to see if he is our true shepherd or an imposter. Only after listening to the proofs set forth by the Promised One can we discern with our minds and hearts if the prophecies as a whole are fulfilled.
2. (John 10:3,4 NIV).
3. (Luke 24:27)
4. One language, the outward language, is devoid of allusions, is unconcealed and unveiled; that it may be a guiding lamp and a beaconing light whereby wayfarers may attain the heights of holiness, and seekers may advance into the realm of eternal reunion. ... The other language is veiled and concealed, so that whatever lieth hidden in the heart of the malevolent may be made manifest and their innermost being be disclosed. ... "God verily will test them and sift them." This is the divine standard, this is the Touchstone of God, wherewith He proveth His servants. (Baha'u'llah: The Kitab-i-Iqan, pages 254-255)
5. (1 Thess 5:20).
6. (John 7:51)
7. (1 Corinthians 13:9-10)
8. ...the pure in heart will find only the fragrance of My love, only My Name that overshadoweth all that seeth and is seen. Say: Turn ye, O people, unto that which hath proceeded from My Most Exalted Pen. Should ye inhale therefrom the fragrance of God, set not yourselves against Him, nor deny yourselves a portion of His gracious favour and His manifold bestowals. (Baha'u'llah: The Kitab-i-Aqdas, pages 84-85)
9. (Acts 2:17)
a. * "Last" is from the original Greek word "eschatos" which was often applied with a sense of contiguity. The Greek word for "day(s)" was "hemera," which often had figurative meaning. It often referred to a "period" or "age" and not a literal 24 hour span. Eg: (Matthew 24:37)
b. Joseph Smith ('Mormons') was a young man of 14 when he had visions. In 1831, when both The Bab and Baha'u'llah were alive and as Joseph Smith and his followers were in the midst of fierce persecution, Smith penned these words: "...the veil of darkness shall soon be rent" (Doctrine & Covenants, sec 38:8). Joseph Smith was martyred in 1844.
c. Also in 1844, the veil of darkness was rent. The Bab declared His Revelation on May 23, 1844. The Baha'i Faith commenced in this very year. 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke of others who likewise were attracted to Baha'u'llah prior to the Declaration of the Bab: "...those whose hearts were drawn to Baha'u'llah before the Declaration of the Bab..." (`Abdu'l-Baha: Memorials of the Faithful, page 49)
