Some of those who attack us when we stand firm on God’s Word when we expose their errors claim that the Word of God is not dependable and that God still speaks outside of the Bible and when He does that He may even contradict what the Bible says. I have heard that many times. The logical fallacy within that is incredible. How could anyone believe such nonsense. Of course, the answer is that those who attempt to use that reasoning are not believers. They do not have the Holy Spirit nor are they regenerate.
19 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. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:19-21 (NASB)
Our Lord warned the Church that after He was taken up into Heaven that ravenous wolves would come to attack and attempt to destroy us and our doctrines and put to doubt the validity of eternal truths given to us by God Himself in His infallible Word. This very ministry came into being in response to those types of attacks. Our enemy is clever and his seed attempts to counter Biblical truths with his errors not by appearing blatantly evil, but by looking very much and sounding very much like shepherds of the flock. They blend some truth with error and lies. They depend upon the lack of Biblical knowledge and spiritual maturity within the visible Church in order to get a following, but our Lord promised that He would continually build His Church and no power could or would ever be able to destroy it. That is why there is always a remnant of true believers within the visible Church who have the discernment to see and understand the lies for what they are and do not fall for them nor do they tolerate them. Yes, we tire at times having to deal with the imposters and the false forms of Christianity they produce, but let us take heart that Jesus keeps His promises. In this post let us look at our primary source for God’s Truth that we have, the Word of God. We aren’t going to look at Biblical history in this post, but rather what the Apostle Peter said in 2 Peter 1:19-21 about the nature of God’s Word in how we are to know the truth and live by it.
Some of those who attack us when we stand firm on God’s Word when we expose their errors claim that the Word of God is not dependable and that God still speaks outside of the Bible and when He does that He may even contradict what the Bible says. I have heard that many times. The logical fallacy within that is incredible. How could anyone believe such nonsense. Of course, the answer is that those who attempt to use that reasoning are not believers. They do not have the Holy Spirit nor are they regenerate.
We depend on the Bible as God’s Truth because we know that it is inspired. This is described for us in the Doctrine of Inspiration, which we get from 2 Peter 1:19.
19 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. 2 Peter 1:19 (NASB)
First, Peter was referring here to the Old Testament when he was speaking of the “prophetic word.” He is saying it is accurate. If we go back a few verses to vv15-18 we read:
15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.
16 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. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 2 Peter 1:15-18 (NASB)
He was writing about witnessing our Lord’s transfiguration. However, when he gets to v19 he says there is something much surer than “personal experience.” How important that is in light of how many Christians today speak of their “experiences!” Peter declares here that he, also, had an experience, but that it cannot compare with the “prophetic word made more sure.” He was referring to the written Word of God.
