God’s Sure Word

E ditor’s Note: Below is a transcript of a message, posted to YouTube on October 9, from president of the Adventist Church, Ted N.C. Wilson and his wife Nancy Wilson. Elder Wilson will release a new video each week. You can see past messages here.

Greetings, Friends! Today in our brief time together we will be taking a look at a very important topic—the Word of God.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” 

And truly, it is through God’s Word—the Bible—that we are given direction, encouragement, and instruction for today.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest battles we will ever face will be over the authority of the Word of God. The devil has always hated God’s Word and does everything to neutralize its effect because he knows how important it is for us to be connected to God, by His Holy Spirit, through His Word—the Bible!

The world around us is literally falling apart. People are distraught about security and personal safety, wondering what horrible event will take place next. The unknown has become the enemy. People don’t think the world around them is going in the right direction, and they are right! We are truly living in the end of time according to prophecy. What is needed is not a political, military or social solution, but a return to a Sure Foundation—God’s Sure Word. 

Shortly before his martyrdom, the apostle Peter shared tremendous encouragement regarding the certainty of God and His Word. In 2 Peter 1:15 we read, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.”

God always wants us to have a clear understanding of the big picture and the assurance of our salvation through Christ’s life and grace!

In verse 16 of Peter’s letter we read this marvelous assurance, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

In this age of uncertainty, God’s Word and instruction are true and faithful! In verses 17 and 18 we read, “For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” 

Peter affirms the Word through an audible and visual personal account. How personal is our affirmation of Christ’s work in our own hearts? 

Verse 19 reads, “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed,” the King James Version says, “…a more sure word of prophecy.” Peter goes on to say, “which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;….” 

The “confirmed Word” or the “sure” Word of God has always been a light shining in a dark place and is even more so today! The Word of God, the Bible, is authoritative. It is our handbook for living—not just something to put on a living room table or to be studied just for academic purposes. It is far more than a collection of recommendations or interesting commentary; it is God’s Sure Word—-and has heavenly authority.

Peter goes on to say, in verses 20 and 21, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

People have always needed a sure foundation. The “sure word of prophecy” is something you and I can count on. It is needed today more than ever and will be the only source of comfort and hope for the future since it points to the Gospel message—–Christ, His righteousness, His salvation, His ministry in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary and His final redemption of His people at His second coming. The Bible provides the only hope for the future. It is our enormous privilege to share it through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Friends, today I want to encourage you, no matter where you live or how busy you may be, to take time to pray and to study God’s Word.

The Bible is filled with wisdom, guidance, and assurance for today. 

In the book Education, p. 260, we read this very timely counsel: 

“An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in money-making, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of the maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with His, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10).

Let me pray with you just now. Father in heaven. Thank you for the word of God. That gives us a short sense. It gives us a sure foundation, Lord, thank you that we can come apart and we can commune with you through prayer, through the reading of your word, through sharing the spirit of prophecy. As instruction for our lives, Lord, we commit ourselves into your care.Now we ask your blessing in all that we do. Lord help us to be assured and affirmed in your wonderful truth. Thank you for hearing us in Jesus name. Amen.