Sola Scriptura

2 Peter 1:16-21

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.

Reassurance from the Scriptures: Eyewitness Testimony

The Apostle Peter provides reassurance based on the principles he previously taught, especially knowing his death is near. He reminds his audience of the qualities to increase in, assurance of salvation, confirming our calling and election, and being fruitful in our knowledge of God. These truths are preserved in the trustworthy Scriptures.

Peter emphasizes that his teaching does not belong to cleverly devised myths. The Greek word for myths is simply "myth"—they did not invent stories or hold a convention to create a movement people would die for. These are eyewitness accounts of reality, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ, the gospel of the Messiah saving His people from sins.

Specifically, they were eyewitnesses of His majesty—the sublimity and impressiveness of Jesus Christ that inspires awe. This majesty is recorded in Scripture for us to revisit, motivating us to pursue the qualities Peter described. The more we know Christ's majesty, the more inspired we are to be effective and fruitful, applying that knowledge to change our lives.

Christianity is not Paul inventing a religion or people devising myths. It is the reality of the Son of God redeeming His people. Eyewitnesses wrote what they saw. Contrast this with second-century gospels like the Infancy Gospel of James or Gospel of Thomas—ridiculous stories of Jesus killing people or talking to dragons. That's what happens when myths are devised, deviating from empirical reality into mythology.

The Scriptures provide reassurance: these truths are not made up but reliable for fulfilling the qualities and reminding us consistently.

Reassurance within the Scriptures: The Prophetic Word Confirmed

Peter recalls the Mount of Transfiguration, where they heard the Father's voice: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." They were there with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This event, recorded in Scripture, confirms they did not invent myths.

The prophetic word—primarily Old Testament Scriptures, but all Scripture harmoniously—is more fully confirmed, reliable, unwavering, and abiding. It stood the test of time through millennia, multiple authors, and copying processes. Peter reminds us always, even after his departure, through these pages.

How often do we utilize Scripture's benefit? Approach it expecting to meet Christ's majesty, power, and coming—not just checking a box. Recall Ezekiel's vision, God's judgment and mercy, or John 17's inter-Trinitarian fellowship. Let Scripture transform through obedience.

Scripture provides everything for life and godliness through knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 1:3). Yet some read consistently but see no change—they lack effort. No marriage fails because Scripture failed; no ministry lacks fruit if based on God's Word. Effectiveness in work, singleness, or contentment comes from eternal focus.

Ask: How does this glorify God? Confirm my calling? Increase faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love? Cautious living weighs decisions against Scripture, avoiding ineffectiveness.

Reassurance about the Scriptures: Divine Origin

No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation or the will of man. Men spoke from God, carried along—driven—by the Holy Spirit, preserving their personalities yet ensuring inerrancy and authority.

Pay attention to this prophetic word as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts—Christ's return ushering eternal illumination. Without it, we grope in total darkness, like explorers in Carlsbad Caverns whose lamp went out, facing unseen perils: spiritual stalagmites, bottomless pits, temptations.

The near-sighted forget they were cleansed from sins, viewing trials as unloving rather than faith-testing opportunities for glory (1 Peter 1). Scripture illuminates dangers, realities, and paths, keeping us effective and fruitful.