Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such a declaration as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory: “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”—and we ourselves heard this declaration made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
—2 Peter 1:12-21
Jesus answered, “…the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate
—John 18:37-38
In today’s culture, as in Christ’s day, truth is a relative item. Societies have always defended ideas like, “What’s true for you may not be true for me.” And friends encourage each other, “Just follow your heart, and you can’t go wrong.” Advancement of personal preferences and agendas are the driving forces behind such satanic lies.
The truth of something can be truly known only when compared with something else. The Bible is that absolute standard of truth by which all other “truths” must be measured. The pushback with this statement is a problem with authority. Naturally, no one wants to be told how to live his life, and the natural man scoffs at the notion that he will be held in judgment by God for his choices.
Peter’s letter reminded the first century church of the gospel’s authority in light of false teaching among local congregations. There are three basic miracles of Scripture supporting this authority – inspiration, preservation, and illumination.
First, the Bible is not a book of myths. Rather, it is a true account of eyewitness testimonies and was supernaturally communicated to the minds of the Old and New Testament writers by God Himself. The Holy Spirit inspired them, moving them along in their work like a ship is driven by the wind. The Bible is equally unique in its survival. It has come down through the centuries floating on a river of martyrs’ blood. Christians like John Wycliffe and William Tyndale have been instrumental in its preservation. Lastly, the Holy Spirit is the only one who can reveal the Bible’s teaching. Contrasting the Roman Catholic belief that only a priest can interpret Scripture, all believers have the ability to accurately understand the Bible.
Reflect:
It’s easy to read our own ideas from our own life into the Bible. But we have to make our views match Scripture instead of forcing Scripture to match our views.
Peter’s main point is not how to read and understand God’s messages but to explain their authoritative source. Are you ok with God’s authority over your life?
The Bible’s words express God’s thoughts, not man’s. It’s important to respect them enough to study and grasp what He wants us to understand. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help each day.