What does "long ago by God's word" reveal about divine authority? Setting the scene in 2 Peter 3:5 “But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.” God’s word as the agent of creation • Creation happened “long ago” because God simply spoke. • His spoken word carried immediate creative power—nothing else was required. • Compare: – Genesis 1:3 – “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” – Psalm 33:6, 9 – “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made… For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.” • Divine authority means God’s voice alone brings reality into existence; no rival force can resist or negotiate. Authority rooted in eternal word • God’s word predates time: “long ago.” • Because His word is timeless, His authority is unchanging. • Psalm 119:89 – “Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.” • What He declared in the past remains fully binding today. Authority demonstrated in sustaining power • 2 Peter 3:5 does not stop at creation; it implies ongoing maintenance. • The same word that formed the earth continues to hold it together. • Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is… sustaining all things by His powerful word.” • God’s authority is not a one-time event; it is continual, active governance. Authority validated in prophetic fulfillment • Peter’s larger context (vv. 3-7) shows scoffers doubting future judgment. • By reminding readers of God’s creative word, Peter argues: if God’s past word created, His future word will judge. • Isaiah 55:11 – “So My word… will accomplish what I please.” • Prophecy and fulfillment prove that when God speaks, history bends to His authority. Practical takeaways for today • Trust Scripture’s reliability: the same authoritative word that birthed the universe speaks in every verse. • Submit with confidence: obedience aligns us with the unstoppable force that formed and sustains creation. • Stand firm amid skepticism: cultural doubt does not diminish divine authority established “long ago by God’s word.” |
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