
THE SURETY OF JESUS’ SECOND COMING
Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21
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.
1. Peter’s Testimony (vv. 16-18)
It’s for sure. Jesus is coming again! Peter doesn’t tell a fable, myth, or cunning story to make a point. Jesus is really coming again. This is his testimony based on his firsthand account of seeing Christ’s coming glory.
v. 16 –Perusia (Gr.) is used always and only in reference to Jesus 2nd advent, not his first.
1)
- Peter saw the glory of Jesus; the majesty and glory of God veiled in human flesh shone through. He became an eyewitness to the glory that will one day be shown to all the world at Christ’s second coming (his Perusia).
2)
- Peter heard God speak from a cloud that overshadowed them: “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” This was the Father’s validation of God the Son.
2. God’s More Sure Word (vv. 19-21)
When it comes to the truthfulness of the claim or promise that Jesus is coming again, there is something that is even more
v. 19 – We have also a more sure word of prophecy…
Prophecy refers to the
1)
- v. 20 - The source of God’s Word is not of human origin (private interpretation).
- v. 21 – God’s Word is inspired by God and written by men.
- Doctrine of Inspiration: God’s revelation to man is perfectly written down by man under the guidance or movement of God (Holy Spirit). (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16)
2)
- When we seek to obey God’s Word, use it, apply it, practice, learn it, study it, etc., it becomes a light, i.e. it illuminates us.
Doctrine of Illumination: The impartation of the message from Scripture to man’s heart. Man understands and is enlightened by that which God has written.
Jesus, the Daystar, is coming again, but until then we must adjust our eyes to the sure source of light in the darkness – God’s Word.