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II Peter 1:19a We have also a more sure word of prophecy…

Much of the discussion today concerning faith and spirituality is shrouded in generality. We speak of faith being beneficial, yet modern society very rarely distinguishes in whom or what the faith is placed. Faith, which is only trust or dependence, is worthless unless there is an object–something in which to believe.

As Christians, our faith is in God. We know that by trusting what Christ did for us, we are saved. The question arises, however, as to how we know that we should trust God. How do we know to trust Christ alone for the forgiveness of our sins? The answer is simple–the Bible. “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:14) The Bible then is our standard.

Today’s culture faces many dilemmas, because people need absolute authority, and many people operate without it. For me, however, things are different. I know how a church is to be run, because the Bible tells me how. I know how to become a Christians, because the Bible is very clear in explaining it. I know about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, not through the writings of theologians, but because the Bibles tells me about Them.

Many people today have their own little guru. There’s some guy that has all of the answers. The Catholics have their years of church tradition and a group of clergy to interpret it to them. Many Charismatics have dreams and visions that trump the Bible when there is a conflict. Some churches have their dictatorial pastors who operate on their own terms. MSNBC reported on an extreme example of a guru. A “church” in Doral, Florida is pastored by a man who claims to be Christ. He contends that Christ “integrated” with him, and now he is Christ. Many people have believed his message and are following him, because they do not consult the Scriptures.

Peter argues in this passage that “we have a more sure word of prophecy.” To what is he comparing the Scriptures? Human senses! Peter is saying despite what he may have seen, felt, or heard, the Bible takes precedence over everything. This is coming from a man who is referring to his experience of seeing Christ, Moses, and Elijah in their glorified bodies. (II Peter 1:15-18) He was there, and this is confirmed by the Scriptures. (Matthew 17:1-6 et al.) Yet, he declares the Bible is more important than his own experience.

Today so many Christians will come into conflict with the Bible because of some dream or “vision.” Maybe it will be a a feeling or even a book they picked up in Barnes & Noble. Whatever it is, they will begin to trust something other than the word of God. That is where Satan so easily can lead us astray.

Peter’s conclusion is that if everything we know and feel says one thing, but the Bible says something else, trust the Bible. God wrote it, and God does not make mistakes. May the Lord help us to use the Bible for what it is–the supreme and universal authority.