Topical Bible: Prophecy is a Sure Word

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The concept of prophecy as a "sure word" is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of divine revelation and the trustworthiness of God's promises. In the Bible, prophecy is not merely a prediction of future events but a declaration of God's will and purpose, often delivered through chosen individuals known as prophets. The reliability of prophecy is emphasized throughout Scripture, underscoring its role as a foundational element of faith and doctrine.

Biblical Foundation

The assurance of prophecy is prominently highlighted in 2 Peter 1:19, which states, "And we have the word of the prophets as more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." This passage underscores the certainty and reliability of prophetic words, likening them to a guiding light in darkness. The apostle Peter affirms that prophecy is not a matter of personal interpretation but is inspired by the Holy Spirit, as further explained in 2 Peter 1:20-21: "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Role of Prophets

Prophets in the Bible served as God's messengers, delivering His words to the people. Their messages often included calls to repentance, warnings of judgment, and promises of future hope. The Old Testament is replete with prophetic books, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, which contain both immediate and eschatological prophecies. These prophecies were fulfilled in various ways, affirming their divine origin and reliability.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

The fulfillment of prophecy is a testament to its surety. Many Old Testament prophecies find their fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. For instance, the prophecy of the virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14 is fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23, where it is written, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')." Similarly, the suffering servant prophecy in Isaiah 53 is seen as fulfilled in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

Prophecy as a Guide

Prophecy serves as a guide for believers, providing insight into God's plan and purpose. It offers hope and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty. The prophetic word is described as a "lamp shining in a dark place," indicating its role in illuminating the path for the faithful. This metaphor suggests that prophecy provides clarity and direction, helping believers navigate the complexities of life with confidence in God's promises.

The Nature of Prophetic Certainty

The certainty of prophecy is rooted in the character of God, who is faithful and unchanging. Numbers 23:19 affirms, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" This verse highlights the trustworthiness of God's word, reinforcing the belief that what He has spoken through the prophets will surely come to pass.

Eschatological Prophecy

Eschatological prophecies, concerning the end times and the return of Christ, are also considered a sure word. Passages such as Matthew 24 and the Book of Revelation provide detailed accounts of future events, offering hope and encouragement to believers. The certainty of these prophecies assures Christians of the ultimate victory of God and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

In summary, the concept of prophecy as a sure word is integral to the Christian faith, affirming the reliability of God's promises and the divine inspiration of Scripture. Through prophecy, believers are given a glimpse into God's sovereign plan, providing assurance and guidance throughout their spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 1:19
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sure Word of Prophecy.
... Book X. Chapter XLVI."The Sure Word of Prophecy. "Let no one therefore put off.
Let no one delay. For what occasion is there for delaying to do well? ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xlvi the sure word of.htm

Steadfast unto the End
... "We have also," Peter declared, "a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well
that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 52 steadfast unto the.htm

V. ...
... We have also a sure word of Prophecy, and ye do well in that ye give heed to it,
as to a light that shines in a dark place, till the day break and the morning ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v 2.htm

Introduction
... And conditions will not improve; instead, the more sure Word of Prophecy
makes known to us that they will grow worse and worse. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/introduction.htm

The Last Word of Prophecy
... recognise a pre-incarnate manifestation of the eternal Word. ... If we build on it, it
is a sure foundation; if ... are clearly set forth in this prophecy, which first ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the last word of prophecy.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... With faith founded on the sure word of prophecy, Daniel pleaded with the Lord
for the speedy fulfillment of these promises. He pleaded ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

John Chapter viii. 13, 14
... But because we were not there, and have not then heard this voice from heaven, the
same Peter says to us, "And we have a more sure word of prophecy." You have ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxv john chapter viii.htm

The Title of the Book.
... in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief," 1:Thess.5:1-4. He has
condescended to give his people "a more sure word of prophecy: whereunto ye do ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the title of the book.htm

Radical Exposition.
... "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them." 1 Timothy 4:16.
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/ix radical exposition.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... 3. Of his word, which he hath left as our rule, and which is a sure, word of
prophecy, more sure than a voice from heaven, 2 Peter 1:19. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm