Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
I praise God for a simple mind. Even when God gives me something that I think is spiritually “deep”, I’m pretty sure it’s from the shallow end of the pool. When I read the scripture I seldom find any grand and glorious revelation, it’s more of an “Oh, so that’s how it is Lord, thanks!” The scriptures (at least the recommended King James Version) are written on an eighth to tenth grade level. God loves simple people, what can I say. Theologians who can delve into the scripture and write page upon page of deep theological studies have nothing on me, so can I, it’s just when I explain it it’s in much simpler terms. Where Dr. Mryon Guiler, one of my heroes of biblical knowledge, can expound great truths for an hour on two words from one text, I can for all intents and purposes read the text and “get it.” I’m okay with that. The Bible was meant for understanding.
The Big Lie
“I don’t read the Bible because I just don’t get it.”
I said the same thing… and then I got saved. Ahhhhhhh. Yes I said it. I’m not saying you’re not saved, but you’re either not saved or you’re rebellious. I know from experience because I’ve been both. As a baby Christian in 1996 I discovered what 2 Peter 1:20 meant. This morning I discovered it anew! That’s how the Bible works. I recommend you not take my word for anything written here, but read 2 Peter, Chapter 1 for yourself. It’s but 21 verses, it won’t kill you. As a matter of act it will give you life! But here it is, Shari quoted in the simples of forms.
Verse 1-8
The Bible is all that and a bag of chips. No, it’s much, much more! It’s everything you need to get by in this world unscathed by the wickedness you’re surrounded in. It is the precious promises of God. Perhaps we’ve heard that phrase so much we’ve dulled our ears to it. Or perhaps promises have become so “un-meaningful” in life that we’ve stopped believing the word actually exists in its purest form. Well it exists, and through eternity we’ll experience that every Word in the Holy Text was real. And you need it to survive. I warned you I was simple, read it yourself, you’ll probably get much more!
Verses 9-10
Remember when I said if you don’t get the Bible, you’re either not saved or not right. Insert grin here. It’s the truth, God said it first. Verse 10 reads “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure…” If you’re not understanding the Bible, make sure you’re saved.
Verses 11-15
Peter reminds them and now I remind you that you need to stay in the Word of God. It’s your ticket to Heaven. Peter wrote (the Lord said) in verse 11 “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” It’s not just be reading, but by understanding that the Word of God is how the Lord speaks to His children. So you may ask “What about the people who can’t read and understand.” If you’re reading this, you can understand. All others, God will take care of, He’s a very nice God that way.
Verse 16
Peter writes as an eye witness of the Savior.
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.
We’ll read the Sunday Gazzette and take it for the gospel (foolish mortals that we are) and yet question if the Bible is literal or figurative. Call me simple, but if a guy was there, and speaks as an oracle (truth and revelation) of the Creator of the Universe, I’m gonna believe him over some yahoo that received a “new revelation.”
Verses 17-19
In Peter’s day he walked with the LORD, he heard GOD Himself from Heaven speak to His Son, Jesus Christ. He was there at the mount of transfiguration (Luke 9:27-36) when Christ spoke with Moses and Elias. But now Christ dwells within the heart of the saved, which is how you interpret the Bible.
Verses 20-21
Which is what started this blog today.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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.
Don’t worry that you don’t understand the entire Bible, what you need to understand the Holy Ghost will reveal to you. I’m not a Bible Scholar. I don’t know all there is to know about the Bible, but little by little, (just what my pea brain can get) God reveals to me His Word through the Holy Spirit. It’s not just for Preachers. Peter was fisherman, Matthew was an IRS agent, and so on and so forth God used ordinary people. He’ll use you too. In these perilous times you need to understand current events, and if you want the truth go to the Bible, not the evening news.