THE MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY 2 Peter 2:12-21

The Certainty of Scripture Peter told us to make our calling and election sure v.10 Then he gives the resource to make it possible The word of God in written form v.12-15 Written by chosen eyewitness apostles v.16-18 Written prophecies fulfilled and confirmed v.19-21 Scripture is God’s inspired word v.21, 2 Tim. 3:16

THE BIBLE OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT 1500 B.C. to 400 B.C. HEBREW and ARAMAIC 20-35 writers EGYPT, CANAAN, BABYLONIA, PERSIA LAW, PROPHECY, POETRY A.D. 50 to A.D. 95 GREEK 7 writers PALESTINE, ROME, GREECE, ASIA MINOR BIOGRAPHY, HISTORY, LETTERS, PROPHECY In spite of all the variety of years, writers, languages, backgrounds, the Bible is harmonious as one whole story for one purpose from one Source

How do we know we have the truth? Attacks have been made against the Bible for years Even before the Bible was finished Isaiah 41:1-4 God challenges the idols Isaiah 41:6-7 God challenges the worshippers of idols Isaiah 41:21-27

Isaiah 41:21-27 Every belief system should be required to give reasons for its beliefs v. 21 V. 22 two signs of divinity: Telling the truth about the past Telling the truth about the future The idols say nothing v.24,26 God makes a prediction v.25,27 Isaiah 44:28 Cyrus would rebuild Jerusalem

Cyrus A very specific prophecy Leader named Cyrus Would authorize building of Jerusalem and temple All the more fascinating because Jerusalem has not yet been destroyed! Written before 725 B.C. Jerusalem fell 586 B.C. Cyrus ordered rebuilding 536 B.C.

The Cyrus Cylinder

Isaiah 44 Isaiah 44:6-7 a parallel challenge Isaiah 44:9-20 a parallel rebuke Isaiah 44:21-28 remember God because of His powers Isaiah 44:28 a parallel prophecy Isaiah 45:1-6

Example of Jeremiah Jeremiah 27 Very unpopular 20:8-10 Persecuted for his message Unpatriotic A message of surrender Also a message of LIFE Hananiah contradicted him 28:1-17 The difference between truth and error is life and death!

The Truth Leads to Life Jesus predicted the future John 13:18-20, 16:1-4 Jesus is the truth and the life 14:6 His word is the standard of judgment John 12:48 His gospel is God’s power to salvation Romans 1:16 He is the author of salvation Hebrews 5:8-9

What Jesus Says Mark 16:16 Luke 13:3 Matt. 10:32 John 3:5