Firm Basis for Our Faith

Is our faith simply based on cleverly invented myths?  "No," Peter responds emphatically, "it was not by following artfully contrive false stories that we acquainted you with the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but it was by having some 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 were 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 you 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; 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 ot 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 Scriptures springs from any private interpretation.  For prophecy was at not time brought  by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were born 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 articles  will discuss chapter 2 of 2 Peter, where the apostle deals with the challenge of immoral influences that had infiltrated the congregation.  

Next time: BEWARED OF FALSE TEACHERS!

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997