The More Sure Word of Prophecy

Where can we find true words of prophecy today? The apostle Peter wrote that the written Word, the Bible, is the more sure word of prophecy. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy . . . Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Pet. 1:19-20, KJV, emphasis added). Peter says that the more sure word of prophecy is the “prophecy of the scripture.”

We note 3 things in these verses. 1^st, true prophecy is a Scriptural prophecy. It is prophecy of the scripture. The genitive case of “scripture,” is significant. This prophetic word is coming from the Scriptures, not from outside of it. It is belonging to the Scriptures. And it is described by the Scriptures. Thus, true prophecy is not only found in the Bible, but also explained by the Bible. 2^nd, this Scripture is prophetic. It is given by direct revelation from God to the sacred writers, by the breathing of the Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). 3^rd, it is the “more sure word of prophecy.” “Sure” is from bebaios, from the root, baino, “base; foot” (Strong, s. v. βαινω). It is where we get our modern English word, “basis.” Bebaios means, “‘dependable, reliable, trustworthy’” (Greek-English Lexicon, s. v. βεβαιος). Scripture is our only reliable and trustworthy word of prophecy.

Thus, we no longer need additional new revelations or prophecies from anyone prophesying outside of Scripture anymore (Rev. 22:18). Because the prophecy of the Scripture is the full and final, true and trustworthy Word of God in your hands today! It is Scripture, Peter says, “which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Pet. 1:19, ESV, emphasis added).  “Pay attention” is from prosecho, “to hold the mind towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to” (Strong, s. v. προσεχο); “consider carefully” (Greek-English Lexicon, s. v. προσεχο). You don’t need to look far for the more sure word of prophecy. You just have to open your Bible and study it carefully!

Have you attended charismatic meetings where there are words of prophecy? Usually, their prophetic words are generalized, non-specific, and detached from Scripture. Typically, it doesn’t happen. When it happens, it does not happen accurately as prophesied. Why? Because those words of prophecies are not the sure word of prophecy. The only reliable word of prophecy is the written Word of God, the Scriptures.

God pronounces blessings on the man or woman whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper” (Ps. 1:2-3, NKJV). That’s why we should study the Bible everyday. Every Pastor should exegete, expound, and explain the Bible verse by verse every Sunday. The more sure word of Scripture is all that we need for a strong and productive Christian life.

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The Gift of Prophecy

Paul states that love is eternal. Then he says that gifts are temporal. “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away” (1 Cor. 13:8, ESV). Paul cites 3 charismatic gifts here that are temporary and provisional. We will analyze the Meaning of the Gifts and the Ceasing of the Gifts.

The 1^st gift is the gift of prophecies—from propheteia, “an utterance inspired by God” (Greek-English Lexicon, s. v. προφητεια), by direct revelation. The popular belief is that prophecy is purely predictive. But biblical prophecy is largely proclamation, and to a lesser extent, prediction. It includes mostly forth-telling than foretelling.

I read a true story about a man who turned his car radio on, heard a preacher, then turned off the radio. The second time, he heard the same preacher and turned off the radio. But on the third time, when he was about to turn it off, the preacher said on the radio, “Hold it, fellow, don’t touch that radio!” Startled, he pulled his hand away from the radio. Then the radio preacher said, “Now pull the car over and park.” He did. Then the preacher said, “Get out of the car.” He did. Then the preacher said, “Now get on your knees and ask Christ to come into your heart.” He did. This man became a pastor of a baptist church later on.

Much of Old Testament prophecy is not so much prediction as in proclamation of God’s judgment to people and nations. In the New Testament, it is the gift of telling forth God’s inspired and inerrant Word for the exhortation, edification, and comfort of believers (1 Cor. 14:1-3).

Permissions: You may copy/paste or distribute this post in part or in whole, provided that you do not change the words or word order or charge a fee beyond the cost of copying or distributing.

Disclaimer:  I’ve tried to give credit to whom credit is due.  If there is any original thought or reference which I failed to footnote, please call my attention.  Once validated, it will be corrected immediately.