More Sure

We know; we know. All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16-17). Yeah, yeah. And some of us are also clear on the fact that "inspired" isn't the best way to express what that text says. The ESV says "breathed out by God," pointing to the source rather than the receiver. That is, it isn't simply that these writers were inspired; it's that they were targeted by God's breath. It might be instructive to look at this from Peter's perspective.

In his second epistle, Peter explains to his readers, "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). Peter was referencing the Transfiguration, an event that, of all of the human race, only three people witnessed -- Peter, James, and John. His point is that it wasn't "made up." It wasn't "cleverly devised myths." He was relating an eye-witnessed event. He was there when God the Father in "Majestic Glory" spoke: "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (2 Peter 1:17). It doesn't get any more sure than that, does it? Well, apparently, to Peter it does. He goes on to say, "We have the prophetic word more sure ..." (2 Peter 1:19). "More sure"? More sure than experience, than being there, than being an eyewitness? Yes! We have the written Word from God. Peter makes that clear. It wasn't decided by human writers, "but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:21). It wasn't human will (2 Peter 1:21) or human interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). It was the Holy Spirit speaking from God. In fact, that "moved" term there is interesting. It was a nautical term. It primarily referred to sailing vessels being moved by wind. They were along for the ride, so to speak. That is what it means to be "inspired," to be "breathed out by God."

Peter said, "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). Not merely pay attention to the Word; pay attention "as to a lamp shinking in a dark place." The psalmist wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path" (Psa 119:105). We're in the dark here; we need to watch where we're going. We don't need to be looking around; we need to watch where we're going. God's Word does that. In fact, Jesus said, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17). God's Word is truth, and it is the means by which we are sanctified. We're not looking for evidence or ammunition; we're looking for direction, for light. His Word does that. If we pay close attention, it will keep us from stumbling. We do well to pay attention to God's Word as a lamp shining in a dark place. It is more sure than personal experience or preference. It is God's Word.