The Inspiration of the Word of God: (1:19-21):
Jesus Christ is the morning star for this darkened world. When the Lord returns, everything will be laid bare. Until He returns, the Holy Spirit would continue to illuminate the scriptures. `Peter reiterates that Old Testament prophets wrote God’s message, for the Bible is not a collection of fables or stories or human ideas about God. It is God’s very words given through the prophets to people. The Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. That’s why the Psalmist writes: “The testimony of the Lord is sure” (Ps.19:7). “Thy testimonies are very sure” (Ps.93:5). “All His commandments are sure” (Ps.111:7). Thy precepts concerning all things are right; and I hate every false way” (Ps.119:128).
Peter makes 3-affirmations:
- The Word of God is sure: The Word of God is not some stories, or mythological stories. The word of God is powerful and more sharper than the double edged sword.
- The Word of God shines: God is light and so His Word. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path”(Ps.119:105). When the world was in darkness, the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and His word is like a morning star. Jesus Christ is also the “Sun of Righteousness” who will bring healing touch to believers and at the same time judgement to unbelievers.
- The Word of God is given by the Holy Spirit: All Scripture is given by the breadth of God and are inspired of God (2 Tim.3:16). The Word of God was written to common people, not to theological professors. The writers assumed that common people could read it, understand it, and apply it, led by the same Holy Spirit who inspired it. The humble individual believer can learn about God as he reads and meditates on the Word of God; He does not need the “experts” to show truth to mankind. God used the talents, education and cultural background of each writer but did not use them just as robots. God co-operated with the writers in such a way to ensure that the message He intended was faithfully communicated in the very words they wrote. However, this does not deny the ministry of teachers in the church (Eph. 4:11), special people who have a gift for explaining and applying the Scriptures.
Men die, but the Word lives. Experiences fade, but the Word remains. The world grows darker, but the prophetic light shines brighter. The believer who builds his life on the Word of God and who looks for the coming of the Saviour is not likely to be led astray by false teachers. He will be taught by the Spirit and grounded on the sure Word of God. It is time that men put their trust on the Word of God and look forward to His coming. Every Church must understand the truth and put the Word of God as their guide and the Holy Spirit as their coach.