A Standard to Judge By: 2 Peter 1:12-21

Knowing false doctrine from true requires having a standard by which to judge. Immediately following Jesus’ ascension the apostles were that standard. Of course, they would not always be with us, so God used what they wrote in correspondence to the churches as a written standard for us to follow.  And we also have the Old Testament.

Peter addresses this issue next.

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

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. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:12-21, ESV)

Peter knows that his audience recognizes the importance of personal godliness and that doctrinal purity always leads to spiritual purity, but he feels obligated to remind them of this. It is often the case that when false teaching comes our way we forget this requirement and are potentially dazzled by the clever myth woven by the false teacher. We need this reminder.  Indeed, the penchant of false prophets is to water down the holiness standard because it a lower standard appeals to them and us.

Peter was especially concerned to remind his readers because he knew that he was not long for this world. Jesus had told him before his ascension to heaven that Peter would be martyred (John 21) and made clear to Peter at this point in his life that it would be soon.

The false teachers apparently were questioning or denying the coming of Christ and his kingdom to earth to settle all accounts and establish his rule. But Peter had the promise of the prophetic word in this regard fully confirmed by Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain during Jesus’ ministry before his crucifixion and resurrection. Matthew, Mark and Luke all recount this event, when Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a mountain. Jesus was changed in front of them, exuding a brilliance of light shining out from him that revealed his divine glory. Moses and Elijah appeared with him to talk to him, and the Father said from heaven, “This is my beloved Son.” Jesus had said right before this that some of his disciples would taste the kingdom coming.

Peter is affirming the truthfulness of Scripture. Prophecy is the revealing of God’s heart and mind and will to a human being, man or woman, who has a godly character and whom God chooses to speak through. Prophecy written becomes Scripture. No one prophesies of their own choice but the Holy Spirit determines who and when prophecy will be revealed and become Scripture.

The Holy Spirit “carries along” the human instrument, and without violating his or her personality and ability, makes sure what they write is exactly what God wanted communicated. The theological term for this is Biblical inspiration.

God’s word revealed to us in Scripture is a shining light to guide us until the ultimate “dawn” comes, the kingdom, in which all will be made light and we will see as never before, the morning star rising in our hearts, the truth we have lived for being made a reality on earth. Are you using Scripture as your lamp? Are you getting ready for that day to come? Are you able to spot false doctrine?