2 PETER – Chapter One

Part Two

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

 

CHAPTER 1 – Grow in Christian Virtue

 

If we review what we learned in the first part of this series, we should remember that Peter desires to exhort (build up or encourage) those followers of Christ he is writing to in their faith and Christian walk. Christians at this time were living under the rule of the corrupt Roman Empire and surrounded by decadence and debauchery. Moral corruption was a constant pressure on their commitment to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They needed to know how they could continue to grow in grace and avoid becoming defiled by the sinful society they lived in. Does this sound like the same issue you and I face today? I think so. As we saw in the first part of this series, Peter gave a warning to remain pure and holy (1:2-4). He also reminded followers of Christ what they already knew (1:12-14). Today as Christians we know a LOT, but often we fail to put it into practice. We need Peter to remind us today, just as much as he reminded the followers of Christ in the first century, of the calling we have as God’s children, to live pure and holy, manifesting the gift of the Spirit and loving those that come into our lives. Peter also assures Christians that as long as they practice the precepts they have been taught and walk with the Spirit, they will never stumble (1:10). We need this encouragement today as well.

 

Peter in verse 8 of Chapter 1 now shares the benefits of applying diligence in your faith as you live out the seven characteristics of spiritual growth he shared in the previous verses.

 

“8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

First, notice what Peter does not say here. He is not saying if you practice these seven spiritual disciplines you can obtain salvation. We know salvation comes from “grace alone and faith alone.” It is provided by God when you accept Christ’s sacrifice for your sins on the cross. Salvation is not earned, it is given to those who humble themselves and respond to the mercy and grace of God. The Apostle Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the Ephesians. Ephesians 2:8-10 states; “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

 

We must also remember that such godly spiritual expressions of thought and behavior which are mentioned in this first chapter of 2 Peter can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. Non-believers can manifest behavior similar to these characteristics, but they are not of the same quality or consistency because Christ-like behavior can only be expressed through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Charles Haddon Spurgeon stated regarding these holy habits, “These holy things must not only be in us, but abound, or we shall be barren. Fruit is the overflow of life, and we must be full before we can flow over.” In essence Spurgeon is stating that while we may possess a degree of each of these traits within us as followers of Christ, the goal is to abound in them, so that spiritual fruit is manifested in our lives. Just as a fruit tree might appear healthy and have the ability to produce fruit, unless it actually produces fruit it does not fulfill its intended and expected purpose. While the Holy Spirit may reside within us as Christians, this does not guarantee we will manifest the fruit of the Spirit unless we are keeping in step with the Spirit, continuing to grow spiritually in our faith and with diligence applying our faith to grow in these seven holy attributes mentioned by Peter.

 

Peter states here that if these spiritual qualities of the Christian life are evident in your life AND increasing, they will render you “neither useless nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We must remember while we may have attained some measure of any or all of these godly spiritual characteristics, we can never be content with whatever measure we have attained them. We have never fully “arrived” at spiritual maturity. We are always on a quest to grow and become more mature as we seek to apply scripture to our lives with our reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. We should also be aware of the fact that lack of spiritual growth is a sign of spiritual decay. Peter is attempting to encourage the first century followers of Christ and us as well, that as we seek to apply diligence in our faith through expressing and developing these seven areas of the Christian life, we can dramatically be used by God. But another truth will also come to fruition; much spiritual fruit will result from our lives as we minister in word and deed. We also will benefit from an increasing knowledge of our Lord and Savior. That is the benefit of diligent consistency in living the Christian life. You grow in your knowledge of Christ because your relationship with Him is growing deeper. You are no longer a spiritual baby who can only feed on the “milk of the Word,” but you are growing into a mature believer that can feed on the more difficult and challenging aspects of the Christian faith. Peter shares in 1 Peter godly instruction for followers of Christ in order for them to desire the pure milk of the Word in order that spiritual growth could take place. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12-13 that Christians who do not grow in their faith must continue feeding on spiritual milk because they have not matured to the point where they can comprehend or understand the “meat” of the Word. Notice how Peter also states in this passage that these seven qualities should not only be present but also “increasing.” If you ever reach a stagnant point in your Christian life something is wrong. You never reach a state of maturity that you have “arrived” and no longer need instruction. Our goal as followers of Jesus Christ is Christ-likeness and we will never achieve this state of spiritual maturity or purity in this life.

 

What Peter states here is that if these seven qualities are found in your life witness, in the way you live, act and think, you not only grow in your usefulness to God and ability to bring Him honor and glory, you will also produce spiritual fruit because your knowledge of Jesus Christ will expand exponentially. This knowledge is not facts and figures, lists of Bible verses or reams of theological truth; it is the mature internalized and applied Truth of God. God’s wish for us as Christians is to; become more like His Son, Jesus Christ; loving, worshipful, holy, pure and God-honoring. The more we walk in these precepts and grow in our faith, the more we grow in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. This type of witness also attracts others to our Lord and Savior.

 

Another result of living by these holy habits is that you will be filled with the Spirit and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-24 shares a list of the overflow blessings of a godly life lived dedicated to the Lord.

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”

 

Such fruitful abundance demonstrated by these godly qualities in the life of a Christian will attract others to Christ and bring honor and glory to God.

 

Peter also shares the negative results of failing to be diligent in one’s faith and shirking the responsibility to live out the seven holy habits.

 

“9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.”

 

He calls such people “blind” or “shortsighted” because they have failed to see the Truth of God and how it impacts both their thought life as well as how they act outwardly. They therefore lose the ability to sense what their spiritual condition is and therefore not only cease to grow spiritually, but also regress into a more immature state of spiritual poverty. I am personally myopic or nearsighted. I must wear glasses or contact lenses in order to see in the distance. Without these visual aids I am in a sense blind and definitely shortsighted. When you are spiritually myopic or shortsighted you are blind to things that require godly living. You can’t discern how to make the best decision in life or make wise choices. Peter is saying here that those Christians who lack these godly qualities have forgotten the sinful state they have been saved from and are failing to live holy lives. This demonstrates their spiritual blindness and hinders their response to the Holy Spirit, as well as their discernment of how to apply scripture to their lives. He also calls them “short-sighted” because they cannot see beyond the immediate situation. They have not only lost sight of the significance of what took place at their conversion, they have lost their spiritual discernment for present life choices. Their condition is one of failing to “grow in grace” and in the “knowledge of our Lord.” They are unable to perceive that application of godly truths to their lives in the present which can impact their potential spiritual growth in the future. Peter also states that they have totally forgotten how they were purified by the blood of Christ. Several scriptures in God’s Word speak of Christians who remain spiritual babes and fail to grow spiritually (1 Corinthians 3:2, Hebrews 5:12-13). The spiritual growth of a Christian is not automatic. It cannot develop without our application of Biblical principles to our lives. A Christian’s spiritual condition will not come to maturity unless we submit to the Holy Spirit and let Him both guide and instruct us. Philippians 2:12-13 states;

 

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

 

This scripture illustrates to us that God can work in us, but He will not force us to grow spiritually. We must apply ourselves to our calling as followers of Christ. This involves remembering where we were before we were saved, where we are now because we are saved and where we are expected to be as we walk in step with the Spirit. The questions to ask yourself are; “Are you progressing in your spiritual maturity? Are you further along in your spiritual growth than you were a year ago? Where do you stand in developing these seven spiritual traits of a follower of Christ; moral excellence, spiritual knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love? When we seek to apply all diligence to our faith and live out these seven holy character traits of a follower of Christ we are endowed with powerful godly spiritual eyesight.

 

H. Jowett in his commentary on 2 Peter states it this way; “Then if a man possess these things he is consequently endowed with sight. Every supplied grace enlarges the spiritual vision. Every refinement of the disposition is the acquirement of an extra lens. And now I think of it, my text is like a vast drawn-out telescope, with lens after lens added, ever contributing to the intensity and extension of its range…What seeing powers man will gain with a telescope like this!”

 

Peter has made sweeping statements of truth as well as the two possible paths that people can take; he now encourages Christians once again to be diligent in their spiritual lives.

 

“10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”

 

Peter first calls once again for diligence in the Christian’s faith. The meaning behind diligence implies great zeal and haste. Peter is emphasizing, as he is empowered by the Holy Spirit, that our thoughts, actions and behaviors will verify our salvation. God calls and chooses us to be His spiritual children, but we make certain we belong to His family by the manner in which we think and act. Our election by God of our salvation comes from God alone, but our behavior as a follower of Christ is proof or disproof of it. Even though any good works we may perform are possible only by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit within us; it is also absolutely necessary that we understand that it is fully our responsibility to carry out what God has called us to do and live in a manner He asks us to live. As the saying goes, “The proof is in the pudding.” Just as you don’t really know if a pie, a stew or a casserole tastes good or not until you partake of it, so our claim to be a follower of Christ is determined by how we think in our heart and mind as well as how we live and treat others. Peter is giving us a description of a godly guarantee. He states that “as long as you practice these things,” the seven holy habits empowered by the Holy Spirit according to the example of Jesus Christ, “you will never stumble.” Of course we all stumble in our faith at times so we must understand when this takes place there is a holy habit that has not been lived properly. The cause for such slacking in our spiritual life should be investigated and discovered so we can restore our relationship with our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Confession of sin is a good start (1 John 1:9). Peter continues by informing us what results when we remain faithful and obedient to our Lord and the Spirit, “the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” This does not mean that if we stumble at times we lose our salvation; it means we may miss some of the abundance or blessing that we might normally have received.

 

Charles Swindoll comments on this portion of scripture by saying, “The result of diligence is not salvation but stability, usefulness, and fruitfulness. With these things comes eternal reward upon Christ’s return…This target of hope at Christ’s return should encourage us to press on, unwavering in diligence. If we do so, we will receive great reward. But if we fail to grow in our faith, we will lose reward at the judgment seat of Christ, as Paul sternly warns: ‘If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:14-15).”

 

Peter states three characteristics about this kingdom of which He speaks in verse 11. First, it is eternal. Secondly, while it exists in a form now, it will reach completion in the future. Thirdly, it belongs to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Paul gives advice to the topic of being diligent regarding your spiritual life in 1 Timothy 4:7-10, “Add discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”

 

Hebrews also addresses this same calling to diligence and discipline in Hebrews 6:10-12, “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

 

As a follower of Christ it is prudent and wise to invest in your spiritual future for it will benefit you in the present; as well as establish rewards for you in the hereafter at the Judgment Seat of Christ. We are in essence building a pyramid of Christian virtues on the foundation of our faith in God as we diligently apply scripture to our thought life and behavior.

 

“12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.”

 

Here Peter communicates that he refuses to be negligent in the ministry to which God has called him. Peter knows these Christians to whom he is writing. He is aware that they know the truth of God, but he continues to remind them of this truth because he knows that everyone has a need to be encouraged and reminded of what is necessary to live for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In education we know that repetition in learning establishes facts, figures and concepts in our minds. The same is true in spiritual matters. We see this in our own lives as we learn Biblical truths and concepts, we must review and re-review them so we can remember to apply them in our thought life and outward behaviors. They must sink down to our very core so that we can become what I call “instinctive” Christians, followers of Christ that respond to the direction of God’s Word as we are empowered to do so by the Holy Spirit. Even though these Christians to whom Peter is writing are “established in the truth” and it is “present” with them, there is still the necessity to remind and encourage them to continue to be diligent in the faith.

 

As Christians we must always remember who we are and how God has blessed us with His resources to live as a follower of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. In every moment we live as Christians we are as J. H. Jowett says, “both passive and active, passively receiving the redemptive power of grace, and actively working it out in rich and perfected character…He (the Christian) keeps in touch with the tremendous background of grace in order that he may fill his foreground with the fruits of grace in Christian life and duty.”

 

Next we have a poignant mention of some of the purpose for Peter writing this letter.

 

“13 I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.”

 

He wishes to remind all followers of Christ of godly truth and encourage them in their faith, as long as he is still alive. He is sharing here that he senses that the time of his death is near. Jesus spoke of this to him and Peter is sensing that it is to be soon to come. He desires that he be an example of diligence in his faith, so that they can remember to be diligent in their faith as well, even after his passing. This applies to us as well. Peter is still reminding us that we too must be diligent in our faith.

 

The verses in Chapter 1 up to this point Peter has discussed our walk with God and the practical aspects of our spiritual lives patterned after the Lord Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Peter now in the following verses talks about the veracity of the Word of God. He reminds us that followers of Christ do not believe in fairy tales, fables or imaginative stories for the substance of their faith.

 

“16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

 

Peter will later tell us in verses 20-21 of this chapter that the established truth of God’s Word is what sets it apart from the deceitful, cleverly devised tales of the false prophets and teachers that were found in the first century. Such deceptive teachers and preachers are still with us today.

 

Peter states here that followers of Christ who have been saved from their sins and have received the Holy Spirit at their conversion do not follow “cleverly devised tales” for how they live as Christians. Gospel truth is not myth. The Greek word for “tales” here is “mythos,” from which we get our English word “myth.” Myths are fictional stories, imaginative fables or false speculations devised by people to illustrate some aspect of life or simply to entertain people with an interesting story, but they are not Truth! In the first century followers of Christ were surrounded by the ancient religions of Rome, Greece, Persia and Egypt. Mythical stories of these numerous false gods were talked about constantly while people worshipped whatever gods they so desired. These “tales” or “myths” are described by Peter as “cleverly devised.” The Greek word here is “sophizo” and means there are sinister cunningly devised intentions behind these tales or myths. There is a deception which wishes to make what is ridiculous and insane, plausible and wise. Smooth talking false teachers craft tales and stories to purposely lead people away from the truth for personal power, wealth and influence.  Today we live in a world that is no different. There is a plethora of mythical stories and false truths promoted by false teachers and to which people dedicate their lives.

 

Peter evidently had shared with these followers of Christ something of the future return of Christ to the earth, “the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”;  also known as the Day of Christ. The Greek word used is “parousia” which occurs twenty-four times in the New Testament and refers to both comings of Christ (Day of Christ and Day of the Lord). This word was used frequently in the Greek language for the arrival of a king, emperor, or some other person in authority.

 

A portion of Peter’s evidence for this statement of the validity of Holy Scripture is the eyewitness account of the “Transfiguration of Jesus” which Peter, James and John witnessed, “we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” Accounts of this can be found in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8 and Luke 9:28-36.

 

The Greek word here for “eyewitnesses” is “epoptes” and was used in classical Greek writings to describe those individuals who had attained the highest grade in the study of spiritual mysteries. Evidently Peter is using this Greek word here to emphasize the dramatic significance and privilege of witnessing the “Transfiguration of Jesus.”

 

“17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased” 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”

 

Here Peter shares his own personal testimony of what he, as well as James and John, witnessed on this mountain. Peter shares what he saw with his own eyes and heard with his ears. He shares some of the events that took place when this miraculous transfiguration took place on the mountain top. It was a verification of the triune nature of God (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) whom we love and serve. It was yet another event that demonstrated, like the witness at Jesus’ baptism, that we worship a triune God.

 

First Peter tells us that Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone brightly like the sun. His garments became as white as light. (Visual Verification) (The glory of Jesus manifested as spoken of in Hebrews 1:3)

 

Secondly, Moses and Elijah appeared. (Visual Verification) (Heavenly witnesses to verify Jesus’ ministry)

 

Thirdly, a bright cloud overshadowed them. (Visual Verification) (A manifestation of the Holy Spirit much like the cloud that led the Jews during the exodus from Egypt)

 

Fourthly, a voice out of the cloud stated, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Audible Verification) (God the Father speaking authentication of His Son’s ministry and divinity)

 

The words for “Majestic Glory” (verse 17) occur only here, but are similar to a word Peter had already used in describing this mountaintop experience (1:16). “Majestic Glory” speaks of the magnificence and majesty that is deservingly bestowed upon someone extremely great. These words of blessing and anointing were spoken by God the Father from the glory of Heaven itself.

 

The response was unanimous; Peter, James and John fell on their face in terror. Jesus came to them, touched them lovingly and told them to get up and not be afraid. Moses, Elijah and the cloud were gone. Peter shares this as evidence that the message of Holy Scripture is true because the life and testimony of Jesus is true and was verified by God Himself. Deuteronomy 17:6 established a truth that a single witness is not enough to verify something is true. Here on the “Mount of Transfiguration” three witnesses were present and could testify to the truth of this occurrence. This is just a single example that we know for a fact that Jesus was the Son of God, that the Holy Scripture is divinely inspired and that our salvation is secure because it is based on absolute Truth! 2 Timothy 3:16-17 also gives scriptural support for the divine inspiration of the Bible when it says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

 

Peter continues in the next verse to explain that the Word of God is a critical source of Truth necessary for living as a follower of Christ.

 

“19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.”

 

Peter explains here that his own personal witness; as well as the voice of God at the Mount of Transfiguration verifies that in the Holy Bible we have the “prophetic word made more sure!” The prophetic word is the whole Bible, both Old and New Testaments. It DOES NOT include Gnostic writings from the Gnostic Bible, the Apocrypha, The Book of Mormon (Mormons), The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Jehovah’s Witnesses), Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (Christian Science) or any other man-produced writings. Again, we must be completely committed to honoring only the Word of God as Holy and complete. Any other writings portraying themselves as God’s Word are false and deceptive for they were written by men to satisfy their own needs and lead others astray. We must also be very cautious of visions and prophecies by people who claim to receive them from the Lord.

 

John Phillips in his commentary on 2 Peter states, “Many people lightly set aside the Word of God in favor of visions of dubious sorts and voices of unknown origin. It is a dangerous practice. Voices and visions can originate from satanic and demonic sources.”

 

Paul in his instruction to young Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 also tells us to beware of false teachers in the last days, for many will be drawn into ungodly doctrine. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”

 

The time of God directing men to write Holy Scripture is over. God has been silent since the New Testament was completed. God spoke through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-3) and He laid the foundation of the church upon the Apostles and Prophets (Ephesians 2:10). He closed the Holy Book Himself when it was completed (Revelation 22:18-19).

 

Because of this Peter gives strong advice that “you do well to pay attention” to the Bible as you would to “a lamp shining in a dark place.” If you were trapped in a cave or a dark room, a lamp shining in such a place would give you understanding of where you were. It would give you consolation and security for it would show you where you were. It would give you hope that you could understand what was taking place. In a sense the world we live in is a very dark place. We live in a fallen world, full of sin. Satan roams the earth with his demons to blind the eyes of people who do not have the truth of the Bible (2 Corinthians 4:4). Psalms 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Knowing that what we read in the Holy Bible is directly from God should convict us to take it very seriously. When Peter states we should “pay attention” to what is says, he is stating that we need to focus our thoughts, plans, concerns, commitments on it. Hebrews 2:1- 4 tells us that it is crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we hear from reading scripture. Godly people did not ignore the Old Testament and we shouldn’t ignore the New Testament. This Hebrew passage communicates to us that Jesus taught the apostles God’s Word and the apostles wrote it down and told others. These Truths were validated by the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the form of signs, wonders and miracles. The Holy Bible is not just speculations or opinions; it is the thoughts and will of God.

 

Peter now continues to expound upon the quality and the source of truth contained in scripture in the next few verses.

 

“20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

 

He emphatically states, “But know this first of all…” wishing to draw our attention to the central point he desires to make. First, “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.” What he means by this statement is that no portion or passage of Scripture stands on its own. It means that you shouldn’t take a scripture verse out of context to prove a point. This leads to two conclusions. First, any particular passage will never contradict another passage. Secondly, every passage of Scripture must be interpreted in light of all of Scripture and especially in light of similar related passages of Scripture.

 

Another way to express this truth would be to consider the three areas of scriptural context when determining the meaning of a portion of scripture.

 

First, there is the immediate context. The verses that come right before and after a verse you are attempting to understand and apply to your life.

 

Secondly, there is the context of the book of the Bible the verses are within. Often the contents of a particular book of the Bible are strongly influenced by the time, purpose, and scope of the book itself. Also of consideration is who the author is, their specific ministry at the time they wrote the book of the Bible and the needs of the people who the book was written to.

 

Lastly, there is the Bible context. A portion of Holy Scripture must be interpreted in harmony with all of God’s Word, His complete revelation. In other words we do not interpret one Scripture passage in a way that contradicts another portion of Scripture.

 

I cannot stress enough Peter’s important words in verse 20, “for NO prophecy was EVER made by an act of human will, but men MOVED by the HOLY SPIRIT spoke from GOD.”

 

Charles Swindoll explains this truth very well when he states, “Scripture is not a record of fallible human ideas and interpretations of God’s revelation.  It is God’s actual inerrant and authoritative Word, written through human authors who were prevented from error as they wrote their original documents by the providential work of the Holy Spirit…Scripture is God-breathed because in the process of writing, the authors remained under the unique control of the Holy Spirit. This means they were consciously involved in the process.”

 

In essence, the men who wrote scripture were in an intimate relationship with God as they wrote the Holy Words of Scripture. During the process of writing, God used their experiences, personality, skills and abilities to communicate His Truth through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. While we see a variety of styles of writing and expression, the key factor is that God spoke through these individuals to communicate His Truth. This doesn’t mean God dictated “word-for-word” His Truth; nor does it imply that the writers were in a spiritual trance when writing. It means that through their close relationship with God and through the influence of the Holy Spirit they wrote what was on their heart and mind and the result was the perfect Truth that God wished to have written down.