As Long As I Live  (2 Peter 1:12-21)                                                                         2009.08.16       Pastor Bernie Chung

When the Apostle Peter wrote his second epistle to the second generation believers, he already knew his days were numbered. Peter had to respond to the false teachers who claimed that there would be no second coming of Christ. That is why he said, “I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.” (2 Peter 1:15) The things which he already reminded his flog in the first half of the chapter were for them to supplement their faith with virtue, knowledge, steadfastness, godliness, affection, and brotherly affection with love.  It was written for the benefit of the believers living in Asia Minor in the first century as well as of us here and now.  There are three additional things that Peter wanted the believers to remember.  By so doing, he is ensuring that the gospel would be heard and known in the generations to come following his death.

1) They were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 

Peter is making reference to what he saw on the Mount of Transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-2)  While Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain, He was transfigured before them. 

Jesus changed into another form.  His face shone like the sun.  His garments became as white as light.  Jesus underwent a metamorphosis which revealed His majesty.  The three disciples saw Jesus as He truly is. The transfiguration was a foretaste and an assurance of His second coming in glory and power. That is why Peter can really says, “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16) It is because they were talking about something they have already seen.  Here Peter is saying that he and the other two disciples did not conspire together in the writing of a cleverly invented story.  

2) They heard the voice that came from Heaven

After Jesus was transfigured, then Moses and Elijah appeared before them.  Peter said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Matthew 17:3-4)

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; hear Him!” And when the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were much afraid. And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus Himself alone. (Matthew 17:5-8)

At the moment of His transfiguration, Jesus received honor and glory from what the Father said of him to the disciples, Moses and Elijah.  That was what the three disciples heard the voice that came from Heaven. 

We may find these Biblical revelations unbelievable just like the cleverly invented stories.  However, Biblical revelation is quite different from any cleverly invented fake stories.  We have read and heard of God’s miraculous intervention in the lives of fellow Christians, and of internal life change due to the forgiveness of sins, etc.  Yet, Biblical truth is different from any invented story simply because we can experience it in our own life.  It has been true in the past according to the scripture and believers of previous generations. It is now true in the present as we see and experience it first hand.   And it will be true in the future due to the faithfulness of the Lord.

3) The word of the prophets made more certain

 Peter continued saying, “you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)

 Peter realized the danger for our faith to be built upon our feelings alone.  Our inner experience and conversion must be affirmed by the scripture, God’s Word.  That is why the word of the prophets, moved by the Holy Spirit, made our belief and faith more certain.  Peter is stating the fact that the prophets foretold Jesus’ first coming.  And, the experience of the transfiguration of Jesus gave them a partial glimpse of the power and glory of Christ’s second coming.

In conclusion, Peter here reminds his readers to recall the basic truths which we have already received. Furthermore he encourages the believers to grow spiritually to bear fruit as we remain faithful in our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Just like Peter, as long as we live, we need to be our eyewitness of God’s majesty and mercy as He has saved us from our iniquity.  We can be more certain of our salvation by His grace and His return as He has already promised.