A MORE SURE WORD
2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
We must take note of that word “also” that precedes the phrase “more sure word.” For that was God’s voice speaking “from the excellent glory” which gave the Apostle Peter and the other apostles strong assurance that they were receiving the true word of God! So the very voice of God was heard by them before the Holy Spirit began to reveal the gospel as “a more sure word,” far more so than that which the law had ever revealed! Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, …
2 Corinthians 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation (the law) be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness (the gospel) exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious (the revelation of God to Moses), had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth (the revelation of God through Christ). 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
The Apostle John gave credence to his testimony in a similar way. For he states that it was his personal contact with Incarnate God which caused his testimony to us. 1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
For it is the personal revelation of Jesus Christ which affords us the entire body of scripture. Revelation 19:10 …for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Then we notice that the Apostle Peter reveals that his more sure word should be heeded like the sun taking its normal route across the sky, progressively increasing in brilliance. For he states that the gospel shining forth into the previous dark days of the law is like the sun coming up after a night of darkness. The Apostle Paul also referred to this same condition of progressive revelation. Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, (that is, the shadowy revelation of the law), the day is at hand: (that is, the clear light of the gospel), let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
And we find that some of the Old Testament writers clearly speak of this as well. Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Isaiah 62:1 For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
The manifestation of God by his word comes by progressive revelation until it comes to the “perfect day” of the Revelation of Jesus Christ! Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
For the effectual light of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is the light of life! John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. To every human being the Lord Jesus grants the light of the world – the ability to know, to perceive, and to think. John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
But to those unto whom he reveals himself, he is the very light of spiritual life! And these to whom he is the light of life walk according to his spirit within them. John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
For even in the natural creation darkness was divided from the light! Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And that is exactly what he does in the matter of the spiritual creation of regeneration. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
And those who walk in spiritual, inner darkness shall be eternally placed into eternal, “outer darkness!” Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
But that “more sure word” is not had just by knowing the bible. Just knowing the letter of the scriptures causes pride and spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 1 Corinthians 8:1 …Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. But this spiritual word only comes by knowing the Person of the Word – the Lord Jesus Christ. Knowing him alone is salvation! John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
For the Lord Jesus alone is the very Person of the Word Incarnate! The only One who was God, and became flesh in order to dwell among us, is the Lord Jesus Christ! John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
And knowing that this revelation has been progressive makes us realize that God alone chooses both the persons and the times of his revelation! Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Carefully consider these verses: 1 Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
The Lord God has used many people to distribute his truth that have not themselves benefitted from it! All men are God’s servants, but all men are not God’s sons! Judas preached with the rest of the apostles, but gleaned no personal spiritual benefit from doing so. John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
And God even raised up Pharaoh that his name would be known world wide. But he was drowned in the Red Sea. Romans 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Also King Cyrus was said to have been a servant of the Lord and a shepherd to the Lord’s people, yet clearly proclaimed never to have known the Lord! Isaiah 44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; 4 For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
Even some dedicated, life-long practicers of orthodox religion have not benefitted from sermons and head knowledge! Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
So what was their hinderance? They found their glory in seeking honor from religious fellowship! John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
When religionists seek honor one from another as spiritual females and not from the male Headship of Christ, it is nothing more than spiritual homosexuality! And that has a most devastating effect. Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Isaiah was instructed by God that the presentation of his message from the Lord God would work damnation, rather than salvation to rebellious Israel. Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
And the Apostle Paul fully realized that his message and ministry had a two fold purpose. 2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? He states in his letter to the Hebrews (6:4-6), that it is impossible to renew them unto repentance again once they have been enlightened and have tasted the good word of God. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Pastor Gene Breed
February 24, 2018
