Firm Basis for Our Faith

Is our faith simply based on cleverly invented myths? "No,"  Peter responds emphatically,  "It was not by following artfully contrived false stories that we acquainted you with the power and presence of  our Lord Jesus Christ, but it was by having become eyewitnesses of his magnificence."  Peter, James and John were present with Jesus when they saw a vision of him in Kingdom power.  Peter explains:  "He received from God the Father honor and glory, when words such as these borne to him by the magnificent glory:  "This is my son, my beloved whom I myself have approved.'  Yes, these words we heard borne from heaven while we were with him in the holy mountain." -2 Peter 1:16-18.

When Peter, James and John saw that vision, the Kingdom certainly became real to them!   "Consequently," Peter observes, "we have the prophetic word made more sure; and are doing well in paying attention to it."  Yes, readers of Peter's letter, including us today, have powerful reason to pay attention to prophecies about God's Kingdom.  In what way do we need to pay attention? Peter answers:  "As to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and a daystar rises, in your hearts." -2 Peter 1:19; Daniel 7:13, 14; Isaiah 9:6, 7.

Our hearts would be dark without the illumination of the prophetic word.  But by paying attention to it, the hearts of Christians have kept alert to the dawn of the day when the "daystar" Jesus Christ, arises in Kingdom glory.  (Revelation 22:16)  How do we today pay attention to the prophetic word?  By Bible study, by preparation for and participation in meetings and by 'pondering over these things, and being absorbed in them.'  (1 Timothy 4:15 )  If the prophetic word is to be as a lamp shining in a "dark place"  (our hearts), we must allow it to affect us deeply-our desires, emotions, motivations and goals.  We need  to be Bible students, for Peter concludes chapter 1:  "No prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation.  For prophecy was at no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit." -2 Peter 1:20, 21.

In the opening chapter of his second letter, Peter provided powerful motivation for us to hold fast to our precious faith.  We are now prepared for a consideration of the serious matters that follow.  The next article will discuss chapter 2 of 2 Peter, where the apostle deals with the challenge of immoral influences that had infiltrated the congregations. 

Next time: BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS!

The Watchtower, 1997